Mayor Michelle Wu recently unveiled a strategy to increase efficiency in Boston's city services and bolster transparency through the introduction of new leadership roles. According to Boston.gov, Paul Chong is stepping into a newly created position as the Commissioner of City Records, where he'll oversee the Registry for Birth, Death, and Marriages; the Public Records Department; and the Office of the Parking Clerk. Wu stated, "For Boston to be a home for everyone, we want every interaction with City government to be welcoming and efficient—whether residents are applying for a parking permit, getting married, or requesting public records."
Chong previously spearheaded the Registry Division, making notable improvements in access to vital records with reduced wait times and fewer visits needed to City Hall. Chong will also continue his service as City Registrar, a role he's held since January of 2023. “I’m honored to support the Mayor’s vision and work alongside an extremely talented team,” Chong told Boston.gov. “I believe deeply in transparency and good government and am committed to continuous improvement of the City’s operations.”
Grace Jung joins Chong as the Chief of Staff for City Records. With over eight years of experience at Boston Public Schools, notably as Director of Training and School Support in the Office of Equity, Jung has a solid background in fostering environments free from bias and sexual misconduct. She aims to implement that same dedication toward bettering city services. “I look forward to working with these essential city services to improve processes and procedures and develop policies that improve the lives of our constituents,” said Jung.
Further strengthening the team, Mia Capone assumes the mantle of Director of Parking and Curbside Management. Her expertise stems from transforming Syracuse's procurement systems while at the Harvard Kennedy School's Government Performance Lab. “Parking availability and how curbsides are utilized have an enormous impact on how residents, businesses, and visitors experience a city,” Capone expressed. She will be charged with revamping Boston’s parking and permitting processes to support the city's evolving needs.
The collective experience of the new staff signals a significant shift towards a more accessible and responsive city administration. As Commissioner of the Boston Transportation Department, Nick Gove remarked on Capone’s role, “Mia will ensure that Boston continues to build a world class curbside experience and provide innovative leadership in improving our services.” With these appointments, Mayor Wu's administration is pushing forward its commitment to creating a more welcoming, efficient, and transparent city government for Bostonians.
